HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA 6-4-2012 minutes.pdfZBA 6-4-2012 minutes
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Minutes for the
Village of Cayuga Heights
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
June 4, 2012
MINUTES
Present: Members J. Young, K. Sigel, R. Parker, A. Watkins, and A. Shull
Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross, Attorney P. Grossman, and VCH Deputy Clerk A. Podufalski
1. Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order by Chair J. Young at 7:13 pm.
2. Minutes
Moved by: A. Watkins
Seconded by: K. Sigel
APPROVING MINUTES OF MAY 23, 2012
RESOLVE, that the written, reviewed and revised minutes of May 23, 2012 meeting are hereby
approved with suggested corrections.
Aye votes – K. Sigel, R. Parker, J. Young, A. Watkins and A. Shull.
Nay votes- none
3. Variance Requests
A) 103 Simsbury
Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross gave a background summary on the case.
The applicant was given the opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the request.
The Board asked the applicants questions regarding their request.
Chair J. Young opened the floor for public comment.
O. White Spoke in favor of variance
Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross confirmed the next door neighbor, Cathy,
spoke to him and is in favor of the fence
S. Grubb sent Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross an email stating she is in favor of
the variance.
The Board discussed information gathered from both the applicant and their site
visits.
Attorney P. Grossman informed the Board the variance request is a Type II action
exempt under Section 617.5(c) of SEQR.
The Board discussed the findings questions.
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VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLUTION
ADOPTED ON JUNE 4, 2012 FOR APPEAL NO. 2012-19
Motion made by: K. Sigel
Motion seconded by: J. Young
WHEREAS:
A. This matter involves consideration of the following proposed action: granting of an
area variance to allow an 8’ high wood fence to be located at approximately 0’ from
the side property line, which is less than the 15’ side yard setback required by Zoning
Ordinance Section 6: Yard Requirements. The property in question is known as 103
Simsbury Drive (see attached map) tax map # 4.-3-27.4; and
B. On June 4, 2012, the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals held a
public hearing regarding such action, and thereafter thoroughly reviewed and
analyzed (i) the materials and information presented by and on behalf of the
applicant(s) in support of this appeal, (ii) all other information and materials
rightfully before the Board, and (iii) all issues raised during the public hearing and/or
otherwise raised in the course of the Board’s deliberations; and
C. On June 4, 2012 in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental
Conservation Law - the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and 6
NYCRR Section 617.5 (c), the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals
determined that the proposed action is a Type II action, and thus may be processed
without further regard to SEQR; and
D. On June 4, 2012 in accordance with Section 712-b of the Village Law of the State of
New York and Village of Cayuga Heights Article IX #21, the Village of Cayuga
Heights Zoning Board of Appeals, in the course of its deliberations, took into
consideration the benefit to the applicant if the area variance is granted as weighed
against the detriment to the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood or
community by such grant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals hereby makes the following
findings with respect to the specific criteria for such area variance as set forth in
Section 712-b of the Village Law of the State of New York and Village of Cayuga
Heights Article IX #21:
Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or detriment to
nearby properties will be created by granting the area variance.
Finding:
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YES_____ NO X because: The fence will not have a large visual impact
on the neighborhood and will be an attractive fence made of natural wood.
Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method
feasible for the applicant to pursue other than an area variance.
Finding:
YES X NO______, because: A compliant fence or some form of
landscaping could be installed, but the proposed fence is the quickest way
to effectively solve the applicant’s problem. A mitigating factor is that
building the proposed fence is a quicker way to effectively solve the
applicant’s problem.
Whether the requested area variance is substantial.
Finding:
YES X NO______, because: The setback is 0’ instead of the required 15’
with an approx. 152 ft stretch of fence. This is mitigated, however,
because the fence is only along one side of the property.
Whether the proposed area variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: The fence will not prevent any animal traffic.
Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: The primary motivation is safety and screening
from hazards on the neighbor’s property.
1. It is hereby determined by the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals
that the following variance is GRANTED AND APPROVED (with conditions, if any, as
indicated), it being further determined that such variance is the minimum necessary
and adequate to grant relief and at the same time preserve and protect the character
of the neighborhood and the health, safety and welfare of the community:
Description of Variance:
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Granting of an area variance to allow an 8’ high wood fence to be located at
approximately 0’ from the side property line, which is less than the 15’ side yard setback
required by Zoning Ordinance Section 6: Yard Requirements.
Conditions of Variance:
1) The upper 2’ of the fence must be at least 25% open.
2) The fence must be constructed significantly as discussed by the Board and the applicant
during the meeting.
The vote on the foregoing motion was as follows:
AYES: R. Parker
K. Sigel
J. Young
A. Shull
A. Watkins
NAYS: None
The motion was declared to be carried.
B) 507 The Parkway
Alternate M. Eisner took the place of R. Parker as voting member.
Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross gave a background summary on the case.
The applicant was given the opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the request.
The Board asked the applicants questions regarding their request.
Chair J. Young opened the floor for public comment.
S. Grubb sent Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross an email stating she is in favor of
the variance
O. White Spoke in favor of variance
R. Robinson Spoke in favor of variance
Attorney P. Grossman informed the Board the variance request is a Type II action
exempt under Section 617.5(c) of SEQR.
The Board discussed the findings questions.
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLUTION
ADOPTED ON JUNE 4, 2012 FOR APPEAL NO. 2012-20
Motion made by: A. Watkins
Motion seconded by: R. Parker
WHEREAS:
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A. This matter involves consideration of the following proposed action: granting of an area
variance to allow 2 existing 5’ high iron fences to remain at approximately 0’
(perpendicular) from the side property line, which is less than the 15’ side yard setback
required by Zoning Ordinance Section 6. Yard Requirements. The property in question is
known as 507 The Parkway (see attached map) tax map # 6.-5-1; and
B. On June 4, 2012, the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals held a public
hearing regarding such action, and thereafter thoroughly reviewed and analyzed (i) the
materials and information presented by and on behalf of the applicant(s) in support of this
appeal, (ii) all other information and materials rightfully before the Board, and (iii) all
issues raised during the public hearing and/or otherwise raised in the course of the
Board’s deliberations; and
C. On June 4, 2012 in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental
Conservation Law - the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and 6 NYCRR
Section 617.5 (c), the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals determined
that the proposed action is a Type II action, and thus may be processed without further
regard to SEQR; and
D. On June 4, 2012 in accordance with Section 712-b of the Village Law of the State of New
York and Village of Cayuga Heights Article IX #21, the Village of Cayuga Heights
Zoning Board of Appeals, in the course of its deliberations, took into consideration the
benefit to the applicant if the area variance is granted as weighed against the detriment to
the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood or community by such grant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals hereby makes the following
findings with respect to the specific criteria for such area variance as set forth in
Section 712-b of the Village Law of the State of New York and Village of Cayuga
Heights Article IX #21:
Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or detriment to
nearby properties will be created by granting the area variance.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: 1) The fence is pre-existing and has been in
place for a few years 2) The fencing consists of 2 short fences 3) The
fences have a low visual impact.
Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method
feasible for the applicant to pursue other than an area variance.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: The applicant wishes to keep the fences.
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Whether the requested area variance is substantial.
Finding:
YES X NO______, because: There is a 0’ setback instead of the required
15’. However, the 0’ setback is only at one point and is close to meeting
the 90% openness requirement.
Whether the proposed area variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: The fence is already in place and there will be
no new construction.
Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created.
Finding:
YES X NO______, because: The applicant built the fence.
1. It is hereby determined by the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals
that the following variance is GRANTED AND APPROVED (with conditions, if any, as
indicated), it being further determined that such variance is the minimum necessary
and adequate to grant relief and at the same time preserve and protect the character
of the neighborhood and the health, safety and welfare of the community:
Description of Variance:
Granting of an area variance to allow 2 existing 5’ high iron fences to remain at
approximately 0’ (perpendicular) from the side property line, which is less than the 15’
side yard setback required by Zoning Ordinance Section 6. Yard Requirements.
Conditions of Variance:
The fence must remain substantially as currently constructed.
The vote on the foregoing motion was as follows:
AYES: R. Parker
K. Sigel
J. Young
A. Shull
A. Watkins
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NAYS: None
The motion was declared to be carried.
C) 615 Highland Rd
Alternate M. Eisner took the place of R. Parker as voting member.
Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross gave a background summary on the case.
The applicant was given the opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the request.
The Board asked the applicants questions regarding their request.
Chair J. Young opened the floor for public comment.
B. Mingle Spoke in favor of variance
S. O’Connor Spoke in favor of variance
O. White Spoke in favor of variance
S. Grubb sent Code Enforcement Officer B. Cross an email stating she is in favor of
the variance
Attorney P. Grossman informed the Board the variance request is a Type II action
exempt under Section 617.5(c) of SEQR.
The Board discussed the findings questions.
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLUTION
ADOPTED ON JUNE 4, 2012 FOR APPEAL NO. 2012-21
Motion made by: K. Sigel
Motion seconded by: A. Shull
WHEREAS:
A. This matter involves consideration of the following proposed action: granting of an area
variance to allow an existing 8’ high mesh fence to remain at approximately 2’ from a
front property line, which is less than the 25’ side yard setback required by Zoning
Ordinance Section 6. Yard Requirements. The property in question is known as 615
Highland Rd (see attached map) tax map # 9.-3-6; and
B. On June 4, 2012, the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals held a public
hearing regarding such action, and thereafter thoroughly reviewed and analyzed (i) the
materials and information presented by and on behalf of the applicant(s) in support of this
appeal, (ii) all other information and materials rightfully before the Board, and (iii) all
issues raised during the public hearing and/or otherwise raised in the course of the
Board’s deliberations; and
C. On June 4, 2012 in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental
Conservation Law - the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and 6 NYCRR
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Section 617.5 (c), the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals determined
that the proposed action is a Type II action, and thus may be processed without further
regard to SEQR; and
D. On June 4, 2012 in accordance with Section 712-b of the Village Law of the State of New
York and Village of Cayuga Heights Article IX #21, the Village of Cayuga Heights
Zoning Board of Appeals, in the course of its deliberations, took into consideration the
benefit to the applicant if the area variance is granted as weighed against the detriment to
the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood or community by such grant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals hereby makes the following
findings with respect to the specific criteria for such area variance as set forth in
Section 712-b of the Village Law of the State of New York and Village of Cayuga
Heights Article IX #21:
Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or detriment to
nearby properties will be created by granting the area variance.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: 1) The fence is pre-existing and has been in
place for many years, thus deer patterns are already established. 2) The
applicant has made every effort to limit the visual impact of the fence.
Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method
feasible for the applicant to pursue other than an area variance.
Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: The fence can not be moved due to existing
vegetation.
Whether the requested area variance is substantial.
Finding:
YES X NO______, because: The setback is 2’ instead of the required 25’.
Whether the proposed area variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district.
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Finding:
YES_____ NO X because: The fence is pre-existing and deer patterns
have been established.
Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created.
Finding:
YES X NO______, because: The applicant built the fence.
1. It is hereby determined by the Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals
that the following variance is GRANTED AND APPROVED (with conditions, if any, as
indicated), it being further determined that such variance is the minimum necessary
and adequate to grant relief and at the same time preserve and protect the character
of the neighborhood and the health, safety and welfare of the community:
Description of Variance:
Granting of an area variance to allow an existing 8’ high mesh fence to remain at
approximately 2’ from a front property line, which is less than the 25’ side yard setback
required by Zoning Ordinance Section 6. Yard Requirements.
Conditions of Variance:
1. The current unfenced corridor between Hanshaw Rd and Highland Rd on the south side of
the property must remain.
2. The fence must remain substantially as currently constructed.
The vote on the foregoing motion was as follows:
AYES: R. Parker
K. Sigel
J. Young
A. Shull
A. Watkins
NAYS: None
The motion was declared to be carried.
4. Other Business
The Board discussed alternate meeting dates for July and August. Deputy Clerk A.
Podufalski will send an email to determine the Board members availability.
5. Adjourned
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Meeting adjourned at 9:13pm